Configuring the BIOS to prioritize booting from support tools is a crucial aspect of reinstalling the Windows operating system on a computer. We have several options for reinstalling the Windows OS, including USB, CD/DVD, or a portable hard drive. Therefore, configuring the BIOS settings enables the computer to boot from the specific boot devices we are using, such as USB, CD/DVD, or an external hard drive. In the subsequent article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to configure the BIOS for booting from USB, CD/DVD, or an external hard drive.
1. Access computer BIOS:
The BIOS access key varies depending on the brand and model of the laptop. For instance, to access the BIOS on a Sony Vaio laptop, the F2 key is used. On an Acer laptop, either the F12 or F2 key can be used. For Lenovo laptops, the BIOS access key is F1.
Readers can consult the article “Instructions for Accessing BIOS on Various Computer Models” for detailed information on how to enter the BIOS on their respective computers.
2. Set BIOS to boot:
Different computer models have different BIOS access keys and the BIOS interface also varies. Nonetheless, the instructions provided below are applicable to all computer models.
Step 1:
Once we have gained successful access to the BIOS, we need to select the Boot tab. This tab will present various options, which are listed below:
- Hard Drives: Windows will proceed to boot from the hard drive on the computer. This is the default boot. After reinstalling win, we need to go back to reset this option.
- CD-ROM Drive: boot from a CD or DVD drive.
- Removable Devices: Use USB or external hard drive to boot. Note to users, some of these optional models will display as External Drive, Removable Device or USB.
Step 2:
Typically, the computer prioritizes booting from the CD or USB in order to detect any installation devices, such as Windows installation discs or Hirent Boot discs.
- Create Hiren’s BootCD from a USB drive
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The next step is to adjust the boot order on the hard drive in order to launch the operating system. If users install or reinstall the operating system on their computer, they will need to modify this default order.
Case 1:
The boot order will always default to Portable Device. To change the boot order and select the desired boot option, we can use the up and down arrow keys. After selecting, press Enter to confirm the selection.
Case 2:
We utilize the arrow keys on the keyboard to select options from left to right. To navigate through the menu, we move to the first choice using the left or right arrow keys or by pressing Enter. Then, we select the desired boot destination.
Case 3:
There is a section called “Boot device priority” on the interface where users can navigate to. They can then use the arrows to select the first boot device under “Starting device” option.
If the USB or External Device option is not visible, we need to locate the Boot Configuration section and switch the status of the Boot from External Device section from Disabled to Enabled.
Finally, save your changes and exit the BIOS by pressing F10.
Please refer to the following articles for more information.
- How to create USB Boot, USB install Windows with Rufus
- How to get the official ISO file from Microsoft
- Instructions to create USB installation, boot Windows with Windows 7 USB Download Tool